By Paddy McCarthy
I went Out&About to the Irish Repertory Theatre last Wednesday afternoon to view Brian Friel’s Molly Sweeney with our Arts and Entertainment editor Brad Balfour. Brian Friel is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest dramatists as he has written over 30 plays across six decades. It was majestic as the cast of actors were absolutely brilliant performing their parts in the play set in Ballybeg, County Donegal. The roles were played by Rufus Collins, John Keating and Sarah Street, all total professionals I might tell yea, and I’m telling you now to go and see this production of Molly Sweeney as I am sure you’re going to love it.
All aboard on Wednesday June 12th! Yes, it’s here, the biggest Irish event of the year, when Celtic Charity Inc. and AOH Div. 7, New York County present the Celtic Cruise. I can attest to it as I have been on many of them and let me tell yea that is is what you would call a great Irish Hooley. On this cruise everybody gets to meet everybody, now where would yea get it only on the Celtic Cruise. I could go on and on about this fabulous event which has the cream of Irish talent to keep you dancing and enjoying yourself from start to finish. It is always an evening to remember because it is so enjoyable and you have the best of food, drinks and music to keep that party atmosphere going all night long. Here I am going to give all the details that you need to book and when I say book, you have got to do it so you seal your place before it is sold out, so here we go with all the details.
The Celtic Cruise on Wednesday June 12th has music, dancing, great food and fun aboard the Spirit of New York and benefits the Emerald Isle Immigration Center. Tickets include a hot and cold buffet dinner, a full open bar and entertainment from The Brooklyn Bards, The Narrowbacks, The Rowdy Bardlings, Shay Mac Band and Celtic Blend. General Admission is $125. Board at Chelsea Piers (West 23rd Street and 12th Avenue) from 6 pm with the boat sailing at 6:45 pm and returning at 10 pm though you can party till 10:30 pm. There are also amazing raffle prizes including a “Holiday in Ireland for Two”, which includes two return tickets to Ireland (blackout periods may apply) with seven nights B&B and car rental. Second prize is a “Dine around Manhattan” dinner for two at twelve New York City restaurants, and tickets are just $10 each.
Yes, it’s to support the Emerald Isle Immigration Center so it’s a very worthy cause. Get your tickets and check out the remaining sponsorship options at www.CelticCharities.org.
Now that I’ve given you the information on the Celtic Cruise itself, here I am going to give you a little history on the Celtic Cruise, so here we go. In 1992 during the troubles in Ireland, Kruise for Kids was founded by Dermot Kelly and AOH Division 7 in support of Project Children. Project Children was founded by Dennis Mulcahy, who was nominated for two consecutive years for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for all his work for the children of Northern Ireland and was runner-up to Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa.
His efforts helped lead President Clinton to start the peace commission that led to the Good Friday Peace Agreement in Northern Ireland. The success of Project Children led to it becoming fully funded by the US, Irish and British governments.
The Kruise for Kids had accomplished its purpose. In 2011 the event became the Celtic Cruise under the guidance of Chairman John Tully, and Co-Chair Sean Claffey of AOH Division 7, and a new charity was selected, the Emerald Isle Immigration Center.
The Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) had grown out of the Irish Immigration Reform Movement. EIIC is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides legal support and social services for immigrants of over 100 nationalities. The EIIC led by Siobhan Dennehy has helped tens of thousands of New Yorkers become productive US citizens and has protected the vulnerable from fraud and abuse.
EIIC provides its services bilingually (English/Spanish) and in other languages as well, assisting clients in seeking the American Dream. They also run educational, job placement, anti-hunger, and seniors programs throughout New York City.
We have another brilliant event that should always be supported as well and that is the Gaelic Athletic Association of Greater New York’s 90th Annual Banquet, which will take place on Friday 14 June 2024 at Westchester Manor. Cocktails will be served from 7 pm with dinner and dancing from 8 pm to 12 am with the Guest of Honor being Mike Hynes. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients are John Kelly and Tom Nugent and the GAA Community Spirit Awardee is Tracy Ely Dwyer. Music will be provided by Mary G and Frankie Lee and tickets are $125. Contact Clare McCartney at (917) 559-4019 or email mccartneyclare15@gmail.com for your tickets.
This announcement from the County Cork Association came to me on the passing of Denis O’Connor, a well-known businessman in the Irish community and the travel and tourism agency business to Ireland, RIP. The note said: “we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed 60-year member, Denis O’Connor, on May 2, 2024. Denis was the youngest of five brothers born and raised in Doonasheen, Kiskeam, Co. Cork. In 1959 Denis traveled to NY to attend his brother’s wedding and decided to stay.
“He began his career at New York Life Insurance and subsequently worked for Healy O’Sullivan Travel until his retirement. He was a loyal and proud member of the Co. Cork Association and was honored on March 2, 2024 for his sixty years of service to the Association.
“Denis was an avid sports fan, supporting the NY Rangers and of course his Rebel Cork Gaelic games. He enjoyed attending the games at Gaelic Park each Sunday during the season.
He was an active and devoted parishioner of St. John the Baptist Parish in Yonkers. He was a great historian and ancestry tracer. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Den” to his family and friends.
“Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 29, from 3 pm to 8 pm at Hodder’s Funeral Home (899 McLean Avenue in Yonkers) with the Funeral Mass to be held on Thursday, May 30 at 11 am at Sacred Heart Church in Dobbs Ferry. The Co. Cork Association will assemble at 7 pm to pay their respects.”
I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About once more…